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Although there is plenty of size coming up through the system in the form of Jimmy Hayes, Kyle Beach, and Rob Flick, there still is a big need that must be filled. Particularly looking at the left wing where Dan Carcillo, Viktor Stalberg, Bryan Bickell, and Brandon Bollig currently reside, replacing the once towering position that dominated opponents with size and proper execution.
This off-season there seems to be a couple players that are available for the taking that can fill those needs quickly. Here's the list:
Evander Kane
WINNIPEG JETS
Size? Check. Skill? Check. Bursting onto the 2011-2012 season was 20 year old Evander Kane with 173 hits and 30 goals to top off his breakout campaign. Stan Bowman is no stranger to dealing with the Jets, more specifically Kevin Cheveldayoff. Given the fact that he is a natural left-wing would provide a perfect fit for the top-2 lines in Chicago and slotting players such as Stalberg, Carcillo, and Bickell where they deserve to be.
But why in the world would the Jets give up on a player of this caliber?
His contract has expired and with RFA status, the Jets will try to negotiate a new contract for the young power forward. However, it has been reported by Renaud Lavoie that Evander simply does not want to negotiate a new contract with the Jets. If this is true, Bowman needs to be all over this. It might take a steep price to land Kane, but the Blackhawks have the prospect depth to burn along other movable roster players to make room for him.
It's time for Bowman to make that bold move. The type of move that puts a real finger print onto the roster.
James van Riemsdyk
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
Drafted 2nd behind Patrick Kane by the Flyers in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, van Riemsdyk is the perfect compliment on the top-2 lines as he boasts a good combination of size and talent. In his last 118 games, James has complied 144 hits, 32 goals, and 64 points. Although he hasn't had quite the breakout year as Evander Kane has had and certainly struggled through injury last season, his potential still towers over prospects such as Kyle Beach and Rob Flick.
It has been widely speculated that the Flyers want to send van Riemsdyk in a package deal to land Rick Nash, but regardless, it is well known that he is a hot candidate to be dealt this off-season. If Paul Holmgren can't get Columbus to bite (and likely won't with the Rangers hot on Nash) Stan Bowman should make an effort to be his 2nd option.
Guillaume Latendresse
MINNESOTA WILD
Before you say "Eric Daze" there's one thing you should know: Latendresse is actually very physical. If Stan Bowman wants to add some size on the cheap this is a huge risk/reward scenario. The Wild probably won't tender him a qualifying offer especially if they want to push hard for Parise or Nash which it looks like they will do that. However, there is still a chance that they try to sign him to an incentive laden deal. If healthy, Latendresse could pop in 20-30 goals while contributing an upwards of 150 hits. The downside? He needs to be healthy, and quite honestly, his skating ability is just a touch better than Andrew Brunette's.
With his recent troubles the past two years, it shouldn't be out of the question for any team to take a chance on him for under $1.5M per year. This guy is still young at 25 years old, he plays the left-wing, and he's got great size. The key to this type of deal is to add him as a depth player. The contract won't be much of a hit, set the expectation low, and if he's healthy then you have one of the best bang for buck players in the NHL on your hands.
If the Blackhawks don't address the need for size upfront, Kyle Beach and Jimmy Hayes should be locked in to battle for a roster spot in training camp. Is it worth pursuing options outside of the organization or will either of them have what it takes?
Click here to view the article
This off-season there seems to be a couple players that are available for the taking that can fill those needs quickly. Here's the list:
Evander Kane
WINNIPEG JETS
Size? Check. Skill? Check. Bursting onto the 2011-2012 season was 20 year old Evander Kane with 173 hits and 30 goals to top off his breakout campaign. Stan Bowman is no stranger to dealing with the Jets, more specifically Kevin Cheveldayoff. Given the fact that he is a natural left-wing would provide a perfect fit for the top-2 lines in Chicago and slotting players such as Stalberg, Carcillo, and Bickell where they deserve to be.
But why in the world would the Jets give up on a player of this caliber?
His contract has expired and with RFA status, the Jets will try to negotiate a new contract for the young power forward. However, it has been reported by Renaud Lavoie that Evander simply does not want to negotiate a new contract with the Jets. If this is true, Bowman needs to be all over this. It might take a steep price to land Kane, but the Blackhawks have the prospect depth to burn along other movable roster players to make room for him.
It's time for Bowman to make that bold move. The type of move that puts a real finger print onto the roster.
James van Riemsdyk
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
Drafted 2nd behind Patrick Kane by the Flyers in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, van Riemsdyk is the perfect compliment on the top-2 lines as he boasts a good combination of size and talent. In his last 118 games, James has complied 144 hits, 32 goals, and 64 points. Although he hasn't had quite the breakout year as Evander Kane has had and certainly struggled through injury last season, his potential still towers over prospects such as Kyle Beach and Rob Flick.
It has been widely speculated that the Flyers want to send van Riemsdyk in a package deal to land Rick Nash, but regardless, it is well known that he is a hot candidate to be dealt this off-season. If Paul Holmgren can't get Columbus to bite (and likely won't with the Rangers hot on Nash) Stan Bowman should make an effort to be his 2nd option.
Guillaume Latendresse
MINNESOTA WILD
Before you say "Eric Daze" there's one thing you should know: Latendresse is actually very physical. If Stan Bowman wants to add some size on the cheap this is a huge risk/reward scenario. The Wild probably won't tender him a qualifying offer especially if they want to push hard for Parise or Nash which it looks like they will do that. However, there is still a chance that they try to sign him to an incentive laden deal. If healthy, Latendresse could pop in 20-30 goals while contributing an upwards of 150 hits. The downside? He needs to be healthy, and quite honestly, his skating ability is just a touch better than Andrew Brunette's.
With his recent troubles the past two years, it shouldn't be out of the question for any team to take a chance on him for under $1.5M per year. This guy is still young at 25 years old, he plays the left-wing, and he's got great size. The key to this type of deal is to add him as a depth player. The contract won't be much of a hit, set the expectation low, and if he's healthy then you have one of the best bang for buck players in the NHL on your hands.
If the Blackhawks don't address the need for size upfront, Kyle Beach and Jimmy Hayes should be locked in to battle for a roster spot in training camp. Is it worth pursuing options outside of the organization or will either of them have what it takes?
Click here to view the article
